You:
I have always been a hardworking person. I have worked two jobs since I was sixteen years old, and I am very passionate in everything that I engage in. I have always been a people person, and I try to build connections everywhere I go. I have always believed that connections will take you farther in life than anything else will. I strive for excellence and anything less will not be accepted. I have always had a large deal of respect for nation's service members, and I never have thought that they have been properly taken care of when returning home. I think my business concept would not just be another business, but rather it would be my life.
What I am Offering to Customers:
What I am offering is simply a life-advisement service for military service members and their families. The unmet need is not knowing how to readjust to civilian "normal" life when returning home from a service member's time of service, and what I am offering is assistance in doing just that.
Who I am Offering to:
I am offering to a very wide range of individuals. I am offering my services to all branches of the military and the direct families of those service men and women. My services will not be required by everyone that it is offered too, because many times those who return home do not need assistance. With that being said, many times, there are those who do need help when they return home. These individuals who need assistance, whether it be small or large, will be welcomed with open arms.
Why Do They Care:
So as for the question of why customers will come to me and why people will put money into my service are two different questions. First off, people who need my service will definitely care for it. When you are feeling alone in the world with no direction, having someone there to offer a helping hand can be a lifesaver. As for who will put money into my company, the number of donations that we could potentially receive is endless. In 2014 alone, the Wounded Warrior Project received over $300 million in donations. Military organizations are one of the most popular charities that are donated too, whether it be dollar amounts or volunteering. Once our services have been revealed to the country, patriotic men and women across the country will be ready to help.
Our Core Competencies:
What makes my services different is that we are offering to all service men and women. Currently, there are many military non-profit organizations that help and assist the transition back to civilian life for those who were wounded in the line of duty. Our differentiation is that we offer assistance in transitioning back to civilian life for everyone involved in military service, not just those who were wounded physically. Many were wounded mentally and emotionally, and we want to help them too.
As with any idea, there are always the unknown factors and there are things that you will have to take a "leap of faith" in order to make sure that it all works out. As for the financing and the volunteers for my service, these are the only things that will be slightly difficult at first. I feel confident in my service and that we will be able to acquire the resources needed to be successful.
I really like how in depth you covered everything and how much detail you provided about your market because it is clear you have done your research and know your market very well. It is interesting that those paying for the service and those using the service are two different groups, but as long as the organization is advertised correctly, I think the donations would easily come in.
ReplyDeleteHi Dakota! There are many positive things about your idea. I really like that you are offering your services to all returning servicepeople, not just those who are physically wounded. It can be a difficult transition for any serviceperson, not just those who return with wounds.
ReplyDeleteYou write, “When you are feeling alone in the world with no direction, having someone there to offer a helping hand can be a lifesaver.” This really speaks to me, because it is true in so many areas of life, not just the military. If you think about it, this can be true of college students as well, especially those first starting college.
As for funding, as you are seeing it is almost more important to properly market a nonprofit service organization than a for-profit organization. I don’t know if you are aware, but The Wounded Warrior Project had some severe scandals several years ago involving its CEO and other high-ranking personnel. They almost lost their entire reputation, and quite a bit of their funding, because of the scandal. They have had to hire new people that are above reproach and put out really focused marketing efforts to regain their funding. It was a shame, because WWP does a lot of good for wounded servicepeople and their families. It just shows that it is very important to being with reputable people, and stay above reproach in the organization’s actions.
Dakota,
ReplyDeleteHaving my own difficulties adjusting to civilian life I could not be more enthusiastic about this idea. Being a non-profit is the best way to go. Another idea would be to focus maybe on families or single people coming out of the military at first because they have different needs. Also trying to establish that connection and see if you can get to them before they are actually released from active service would be a great idea.